Effect of age and malnutrition on rotavirus infection in mice

Litters of malnourished and normally nourished suckling mice of various ages were fed mouse rotavirus (10(5) ID50). Infection was monitored by immunofluorescent staining of isolated epithelial enterocytes 24, 28, and 72 h after virus ingestion; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of daily fecal samples; and determining the severity of diarrhea by noting the color and consistency of the feces and the presence or absence of staining. In malnourished mice 5 to 9 days old, all the parameters of infection were significantly greater than in their normally nourished counterparts. However, in mice 10 to 14 days old the differences in extent and severity of infection in malnourished and normally nourished animals was not significant. After 15 days of age there were low levels of virus shedding and antigen-positive enterocytes in both malnourished and normally nourished animals, but there was no diarrhea in either group. Therefore it appears that nutritional manipulation, resulting in malnutrition, does not alter the state of refractoriness to symptomatic rotavirus infection in mice greater than 15 days old.     

Genomic scale profiling of autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system: the nervous response to inflammation

Using gene microarray technology, we found that inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) not only induced the expression of many immune-related genes, but also significantly altered the gene expression profile of neural cells. Two unique groups of CNS genes were identified. The first group includes genes encoding ion channels, neural transmitters and growth factors. The second group includes genes that are important for nervous tissue regeneration. Additionally, a distinct pattern of gene expression was also identified in recovering animals. Thus, during autoimmune inflammation, the CNS actively responds to immune attacks by activating its own defense and repair genes.     

Arterial remodelling in Fabry disease

Aim : The enzymatic defect in Fabry disease results in the slow systemic deposition of uncleaved glycosphingolipids in the lysosomes of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, leading to ischaemic strokes, cardiomyopathy and renal failure. Whereas it is known that Fabry disease affects small blood vessels, little is known about its effects on peripheral large arteries. We therefore set out to compare parameters of arterial wall structure and function in a cohort of patients with Fabry disease and an age-matched control group. Methods : Large artery phenotype was non-invasively investigated in 21 hemizygous patients with Fabry disease and 24 age-matched male controls. Common carotid and radial artery diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT) and distensibility were determined with high-definition echotracking systems and aplanation tonometry. Results : Patients with Fabry disease had a significant twofold increase in radial artery IMT and distensibility, independent of body surface area, age and mean blood pressure. In both groups, older age at the time of examination was significantly associated with larger radial artery IMT. The relationship between age and radial IMT was 2.3-fold higher in patients with Fabry disease than in controls ( p > 0.01). Carotid IMT was mildly but significantly increased in patients with Fabry disease (+18%), whereas distensibility was unchanged.
Conclusion : This study presents evidence of a major increase in arterial wall thickness and distensibility, measurable at the site of a medium-sized artery, in a cohort of patients with classic Fabry disease.     

Spatial Orientation Adjustments in Children with Autism in Hong Kong

Abnormal spatial orientation and body postures in children with autism often interfere with visual abilities to attend tasks and social interactions. Twenty-four children diagnosed with autism from Kowloon, Hong Kong were assessed for spatial orientation and spatial management abilities. Positive changes in spatial orientation were evident when the children wore ambient prism lenses and included changes in posture from slanted to erect. Adjustments in spatial management were evident in improved ball catching ability, a task requiring visual tracking and eye-hand coordination. The findings suggest that alterations to the sensory systems may lead to behavioral change in some children.     

Digital subtraction angiography of the arteries of the head and neck

The advantages and disadvantages of intravenous and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography of the arteries of the head and neck are discussed. The clinical applications of the two techniques are compared.